Our Staycation at the Newly Renovated Queen Kapi‘olani Hotel Waikiki Beach

Gorgeous view of Diamond Head.

The Queen Kapi‘olani Hotel is an iconic hotel on the edge of Waikiki right across the Honolulu Zoo. It was built in the mid-1960s and underwent a major glow up in 2018. We’re talking a $35 million renovation plan that included upgrades to guest rooms and suites, lobby, common spaces, and the addition of a pool deck and lanai connected to the hotel’s new open air and much buzzed about restaurant, Deck. The changes did not go unnoticed as the Queen Kapi‘olani hotel earned second place in Best Boutique Hotel on Oahu in HAWAIʻI Magazine’s 2021 Readers’ Choice List.

This past weekend, my family stayed at the Queen Kapi‘olani hotel for the first rime. It was also the first time we staycationed on the Diamond Head side of Waikiki putting us just a short walk to Waikiki Beach and the Honolulu Zoo. When you stay here, you’re also in great position to enjoy nearby restaurants, shopping, and attractions like the Waikiki Aquarium, Kapi‘olani Park, and Diamond Head. During our stay, I even drove out to hike Koko Head because it was so close!

But honestly, you don’t even have to leave. You can start your day with a cup of Kona coffee from Knots Coffee Roasters in the lobby. Then, get a workout from the hotel’s fitness center or take a dip in the swimming pool with the prettiest view of Diamond Head. What’s great is that the pool is open from 8am until 10pm so you could swim under the stars if you choose. Deck is right next to the pool serving breakfast, brunch, happy hour, and dinner. Other hotel amenities include yoga, lei making, run club, and hula lessons! The hotel lobby is also home to the Greenroom Surf Art Gallery and the Hans Hedemann surf shop that offers daily lessons, rentals, and excursions.   

Spacious lobby with plenty of seating.

Vintage Hawaii vibes.

Bright hallways.

Double Queens with Serta Dream mattresses.

Shower/Tub.

Large counterspace with Hawaiian Tropics bathroom amenities. 

I love this full length mirror and the shelves in the closet were convenient.

Private lanai with city view.

Common tables located on the second floor.

Royal art gallery.

Our table at Deck.

Currently, the Queen Kapi‘olani Hotel is offering a great kama‘aina deal. In addition to discounted room rates for Hawaii residents, the daily hospitality fee is waived and valet parking is discounted to $5 a day. However, valet parking is available first come, first serve and can run out. Other overnight parking options are at the Zoo parking lot, Aston Waikiki Sunset, or Aston Waikiki Banyan. 

Thank you to the Queen Kapiolani Hotel for hosting our family's stay! We had a super fun and relaxing time enjoying the hotel. 

Read More

Kama`aina Staycation at the Holiday Inn Express Waikiki

Playing at the Skydeck

This past weekend my son and I checked into the Holiday Inn Express Waikiki and since it was our first time staying there, we had so much fun exploring the hotel and its amenities. First off, the 44-story hotel is located on Kuhio Ave. at the beginning of Waikiki and within walking distance to restaurants, shopping, and the beach.

Our room was bright, modern, and clean. It's no wonder too as the rooms were renovated just 4 years ago following a $30 million rebranding and renovation. Staying on the 39th floor, we had an amazing view of Diamond Head and Waikiki. The room didn't have a lanai (which I think parents with young children will appreciate) but guests have the option to open the window. But don't worry, a safety latch prevents the window from fully opening. The rooms also have free wifi, a microwave, compact refrigerator, and Keurig coffee maker.

Bright and modern room decor.

Room amenities include a microwave, compact refrigerator, and Keurig.

Bathtub and shower with shampoo, conditioner, and body wash dispensers on the wall.

Our sunset view from the 39th floor.

Each morning we picked up the complimentary grab and go breakfast. It was very convenient as the hot foods were already packaged and we then had our choice of cereal, fruit, yogurt, milks and juices. After a quick stop at the coffee bar, we were on our way back to the room to enjoy our breakfast.

Large, airy lobby.

Hot grab and go breakfast is complimentary for all guests everyday!

One of the coolest amenities of the Holiday Inn Express Waikiki is their 5th floor skydeck that features a 9-hole mini-golf course, shuffleboard, giant chess game, ping pong, and foosball. The skydeck is also home to the pool and jacuzzi and open daily from 9am to 5pm. There are plenty of pool chairs available and 5 private cabanas which are first come, first serve with no fee. We also took advantage of the complimentary beach day essentials (beach towels, beach chairs, sand toys and boogie boards) that are available from the 5th floor Pool Attendant.

Giant Chess Board!

9 hole mini golf course.

Competitive foosball game in process.

Pool deck with private cabanas available.

Outdoor pool and jet spa open from 9am to 5pm daily.

I enjoyed watching the kids play from the comfort of this cabana.

Complimentary beach essentials are provided for guests' use.

Short walk to the beach.

The kids had so much fun playing in the ocean with the borrowed boogie boards.  

Holiday Inn Express Waikiki made everything so easy!

Other great amenities to note is the 24 hour indoor fitness center and unlimited filtered water in the lobby. Plus, the Holiday Inn Express Waikiki is a pet-friendly hotel so there's no need to worry about leaving your pet behind (see their website for the pet policy). 

Currently, the hotel is offering an amazing deal for kama'aina: Free Parking; Complimentary Daily Breakfast, AND No Resort Fee! We had a fantastic staycation and recommend this great value option to other families.   

Thank you to the Holiday Inn Express Waikikii for hosting our stay.  Gratuities were paid on our own.

Read More

Kama'aina Staycation at the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach

Last year, I got a little overzealous bidding in a silent auction, but it paid off because I was the top bidder of a two-night stay at the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach!  Currently, the Ritz-Carlton Residences has a special offer just for kama'aina. For stays of at least two nights, kama'aina can check in as early as 9am and check out as late as 3pm. You will also receive complimentary daily valet for one vehicle.

We had a great stay over spring break last month. The service at the Ritz-Carlton is excellent and it starts from the moment the valet takes your car.  After a speedy check-in, we entered our spacious, immaculate room for the next two nights. I don't think the kids noticed the relaxing hues and the wooden floors and furnishings throughout the room, but they did WOW over the washer, dryer, full refrigerator with freezer, and fully equipped kitchen with range, stove, and microwave! I instantly wished we were staying for the entire week. 

Kids checking out the room.

I love the wooden floors! Not pictured is also a room divider for privacy.

Sofa bed that the kids shared.

I love that there is a washer and dryer available.

Beautiful ocean view overlooking Waikiki.

What I also loved about our stay was that the adult and family pools were open daily from 6am to 10pm so I never had to worry about our schedule.  We could relax and take our time knowing the pool would be waiting for us. If the beach is more your speed, you can ask for beach towels to take with you. 

Our room overlooked the family pool.

Lauren making a splash.

Cabanas are available for rental and come with water, drinks, and snacks!

The Ritz-Carlton is also home to Honolulu's most amazing restaurants: Quiora, La Vie, and Sushi Sho. On this stay, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast at Quiora.  Also steps away are Dean and DeLuca and Island Country Markets.

We were all very sad when it came time to leave, but we hope to back again soon. Definitely one of my family's favorite places to staycation on Oahu.

    

Read More

A Maui Dream Vacation: Our Stay at the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria resort

Over the Labor Day weekend holiday, my family with some friends stayed at the beautiful Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort in Maui.  It was honestly one of the best vacations I have had with my kids.  When we returned home, I was still smiling from all the fun we had.    

When my friend first suggested staying at the Grand Wailea, I was totally in, but a little concerned about the cost.  After all, the Grand Wailea to me is synonymous with luxury and when I think about the resort, an overview of the sprawling 40-acre resort with the iconic Hibiscus pool instantly comes to mind.  But super lucky for us Hawaii residents, the Grand Wailea offers some very reasonable kama’aina rates.  

Check in at the Grand Wailea was a breeze and we absolutely loved our lei greeter.  She was so warm and friendly and totally read my mind when she offered to take a family picture for us. 

We were upgraded to the Alii Suite, which sleeps up to a family of 5 with sofa bed.  It is a generous 1,300 square feet with a separate bedroom and living area and private lanai.  Best of all it has a half bathroom in addition to the master bathroom with shower and tub!  I think all families can appreciate this feature.  

We LOVED the space.  After spending hours at the pool, the suite gave us all enough space to enjoy some down time on our own before dinner (read: I was able to close the bedroom door to take a much needed nap while the kids watched TV in the living room).  It was also a great meeting place after dinner to spend some time with the other families.  

 

The living area had a pull out sofa, dining table, and wet bar area.

Over the three nights that we spent at the Grand Wailea, we only left twice.  Once to visit Haleakala and the second to have dinner at the Mill House Maui.  That’s it.  The resort has everything you need and gives you no reason to leave.  We spent most of our time at the amazing Grand Wailea’s Canyon Activity Pool, which features 9 pools spread over 6 levels with 7 waterslides, waterfalls, hot tubs, rushing rapids, a lazy river, a rope Tarzan swing, a lagoon area, water elevator, swim-up grotto bar, and their famous Hibiscus pool reserved for 18 and older.  Beautiful Wailea beach is just steps away and you have your option of dining at one of the 7 eateries at the resort.

A portion of the lazy river.

Rope bridge 

Slides!

Tarzan Swing

We got lost a couple of times on the vast property, but in hindsight, I wish I could have stayed lost in paradise a little longer!  The fun we had during our stay at the Grand Wailea was truly priceless.  We returned home reconnected, rejuvenated, and in high spirits from all the great memories we made together.

Sad to go!

Thank you Grand Wailea for the suite upgrade!  The room rate was paid on my own.  All opinions are honest and entirely my own. 

Read More

Visit Big Island: Fairmont Orchid

Last month our family was hosted for a weekend at the Fairmont Orchid, a luxury resort located on the Big Island.

With 486 rooms, including 54 suites, this oceanfront retreat offered a tranquil oasis during the hectic holiday season.

We were warmly welcomed with lei upon arrival, and upon check-in we were escorted to our lovely Executive Suite, Ocean View King room.  The room was spacious enough for our family of five, and included a sofa sleeper in the living room, two 42" flat screen televisions, a mini refrigerator, Keurig coffee maker, work desk, and two large closets.

I loved that there were one and a half bathrooms!

The main bathroom was huge, with a double vanity and a separate stand-up shower in addition to a tub and water closet.

The suite was tastefully decorated with modern touches, and the marbled bathroom and French doors between the living room and bedroom only added to the ambience.

Two lanais opened up to pretty views of the ocean.

When not relaxing in the suite, we spent a lot of time at the 10,000 square-foot oceanside pool.

There were plenty of lounge chairs to go around, so while the kids swam and played in the pool, I had a good view of them while lounging poolside.  Umbrellas were plentiful as well, but gusty winds during our stay prevented them from being opened (for safety reasons).

These same winds also proved to be a deterrent when it came to certain activities in the nearby lagoon, but that didn't stop my kids from having fun with floaties, which they had use of thanks to the Fun & Sun Activity Pass.  This pass gives guests access to all sorts of water equipment during their stay (the pass can be purchased at several locations on property).

In addition to going to the pool and lagoon, guests can burn some energy at the large fitness center, tennis pavilion, basketball court, and sand volleyball court.

The Fairmont Orchid offers many other family-friendly activities, such as canoeing and fishing, and the Keiki Aloha Children's Program, for kids 5-12, offers exciting opportunities, such as exploring tide pools and hiking through ancient petroglyph fields.

If you're hungry, there is no need to leave the property.  Whether you want grab-and-go or a fine dining experience, the Fairmont Orchid offers a variety of options for your dining pleasure (we dined at Orchid Court Buffet, Luana Lounge, Brown's Deli, and Hale Kai)

A Keiki Dining Program at select restaurants on property allows for discounted meals.

A daily resort charge includes perks such as Wi-Fi, self-parking, shuttle transportation within Mauna Lani Resort, snorkel equipment rental, and more!

The views were absolutely gorgeous at the Fairmont Orchid (you can see more #NoFilter shots here).  Sunrise and sunset resulted in colorful skies that only nature can produce.

Whether you're basking in the sun or lounging in the shade, dining with toes in the sand or relaxing on the lanai of your suite, there is no denying that a stay at the Fairmont Orchid will recharge and rejuvenate you.

Fairmont Orchid
1 North Kaniku Drive
Kohala Coast 

Mahalo to the Fairmont Orchid for hosting our stay.  Gratuities were paid on my own.

Read More